If you were hurt on the job, the steps you take in the following days and weeks can affect your eligibility for workers’ compensation. To increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve, here's what you should know about beginning the claims process.

Reporting the Injury

If you get hurt on the job or are diagnosed with an occupational disease, notify your employer or union representative as soon as possible. Do this in writing, and keep a dated copy for your records. Upon receiving notice of the incident, your employer will let you know if you need to see a preferred provider for your first visit. For all subsequent care, you can visit a provider of your choosing.

After learning of your condition, your employer has seven days to complete a First Report of Injury form. They must then submit this form to the Division of Industrial Accidents and notify their workers' compensation insurance carrier.

Gathering Evidence

To secure benefits, you must prove that you were hurt within the scope of your employment through eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, standard operating procedures, social media posts, or photographs of the accident scene.

Fault doesn't generally play a role in workers' compensation claims. However, if the insurer has reason to believe your conduct was grossly negligent before the accident, they may deny the claim. As such, you must gather sufficient evidence that your conduct was professional.

For help putting together your workers’ compensation claim, turn to Bellotti Law Group, P.C. Serving clients throughout the Boston Metro Area since 1989, this general practice is proud to help clients recover what’s rightfully theirs. In addition to workers’ compensation claims, they assist with family law, personal injury, estate planning, and criminal defense. To schedule a free consultation with a member of their team, call (617) 778-1000 or reach out online.